FEMA deputy administrator speaks to Ventura County first responders

If they hadn't rehearsed for a possible disaster, emergency responders in Tuscaloosa, Ala., might not have been prepared when their operations center was hit by a tornado.

FEMA Deputy Director Richard Serino checks his watch to confirm the time before saying "good afternoon" to the first responders during Operation Medical Shelter at Freedom Park in Camarillo Tuesday. Serino has been traveling from one disaster to another and lost track of time.

HAM radio operator Joe Krigbeum uses his radio Tuesday to communicate with registration personnel during Operation Medical Shelter at Freedom Park in Camarillo. First responders from throughout the county will be practicing preparedness Wednesday.

Ventura County Sheriff's Deputy Shane Matthews, pulls a mock victim into the hovering helicopter during Operation Medical Shelter at Freedom Park in Camarillo Tuesday. First responders throughout the county will be rehearsing their preparedness Wednesday.

David Sarmiento, 37, demonstrates how to extinguish a fire during Operation Medical Shelter at Freedom Park in Camarillo Tuesday. First responders from throughout the county will be practicing preparedness Wednesday.

Ventura County Animal Control Officer Edward Rios demonstrates how a microchip scanner works on a stuffed animal that had a microchip placed in it Tuesday during Operation Medical Shelter at Freedom Park in Camarillo.